Malaysia - Ethnic groups

The population of Malaysia consists of three main ethnic
groups—Malays, Chinese, and peoples of the South Asian
subcontinent. Malays and other indigenous groups are known as Bumiputras
("sons of the soil"). Estimates for 2000 reported the
following distribution: Malays and other indigenous groups (Bumiputras),
58%; Chinese, 24%; persons of Indian descent, 8%; and other groups, 10%.
Malays predominate in the rural areas, while the Chinese are
concentrated in urban and mining areas, where they control much of the
nation's wealth; enmity between the two communities has
occasionally erupted into violence. The non-Malay indigenous groups on
the peninsula are collectively called the Orang Asli (aborigines) and
number about 50,000.

Non-Malay indigenous tribes constitute about half of Sarawak's
residents; the largest indigenous group consists of the Sea Dayaks, or
Ibans, followed by the Land Dayaks, or Bidayuh. The majority of
Sabah's population consists of indigenous peoples, principally
Kadazans, Bajaus, and Muruts. The balance is dominated by Chinese.